'Too early to tell' if Bolt lands Mariners deal after brace

Usain Bolt scored twice in a friendly as he hopes to land a first professional contract in football with the Central Coast Mariners.

Central Coast Mariners chief executive Shaun Mielekamp has stressed it is "too early to tell" if Usain Bolt's two-goal showing in a friendly on Friday has persuaded the A-League club to offer him a full-time deal.

Eight-time Olympic champion Bolt, who retired from the track in 2017, is currently on trial with the Mariners as he bids to fulfil his dream of becoming a professional footballer.

He made his first start against Macarthur South West United and, despite missing several routine chances, the 32-year-old found the net twice in the second half to stake his claim for an offer ahead of the Mariners' A-League campaign beginning next weekend.

"[It] just puts more attention on the discussion we would already have had," Mielekamp told ESPN.

"It was always part of the programme to have him play this game and we will keep talking the way we have been the whole time.

"We have genuinely treated Usain like we would have any other trialist. He's been training hard with us and he showed weaknesses, but he also showed his strengths and got two goals, so all credit to him.